How to Evaluate Communication Range Before a Bulk Order

Prepared by ChatField Editorial Team. Updated 2026-07-26.

Communication range is one of the first questions a buyer asks. It is also one of the easiest numbers to misunderstand. A responsible procurement process should test range against the actual route, terrain and team workflow before a bulk order decision.

Use two numbers correctly

For ChatField J25, buyers should understand two distance references. In open terrain with favorable conditions, communication can reach up to 10 km. In urban-obstructed testing, a practical 5 km expectation is more useful for planning. Both numbers matter, but neither replaces a field test.

Why one distance number is not enough

Radio performance changes with terrain, building density, elevation, body position, vehicle movement and antenna placement. A product can perform very differently on an open plain, inside a city block, across a wooded area or between vehicles.

Build the sample test around the real job

• Define the destination country and permitted radio configuration.
• Select the actual route or a route with similar obstruction.
• Test the first two-device kit before expanding quantity.
• Record PTT voice, text message and location behavior separately.
• Add relay-node testing only where the team can realistically place relay participants.

What to record

A buyer should record pass, fail and repeat-test conditions. Useful notes include starting point, checkpoint distance, buildings or hills between users, moving speed, vehicle use, expected team roles and whether the phone interface was easy for staff to understand.

How relay nodes should be evaluated

J25 team layouts may use up to two participating relay nodes where configuration permits. A relay position is only valuable if it fits the operation. Do not design a relay map that staff cannot actually maintain during the job.

Procurement takeaway

The right question is not only 'How far can it reach?' The better question is: 'Can our team communicate across our route with our terrain, our phones, our users and our operational rules?' That is the evidence a purchasing manager needs before approving a larger order.

Note: This article discusses public events as communication-planning examples. It does not state that ChatField equipment was deployed in those events. Emergency teams should follow local regulations, official warnings and approved safety procedures.